The Woodburne Forest and Wildlife Preserve under EL Rose Stewardship

The Edward L. Rose Conservancy is delighted to announce its acquisition of the Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve.

 The Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve is a 630 acre property located on Rt 29 in Dimock, about a mile north of the village center.  The preserve is open to the public with a well-marked parking area and includes old growth forest, transitional fields, a large pond and a beautiful wetland with a viewing platform for birders.  With its diverse environment and over six miles of maintained trails, it is a hiker’s and naturalist’s delight.  We will be managing the property with help from a committed volunteer stewardship committee that has been involved in the operations of the preserve since its inception.  The committee of local citizens will assist in maintaining the preserve and its trails, and implementing environmental education programs for local schools, scout troops, surrounding community groups and other visitors.

The Nature Conservancy became the owner of the Woodbourne Preserve in 1956 when it was donated to The Nature Conservancy by the Cope family with the stipulation that it be maintained as a preserve in perpetuity.  It was the first property acquired by The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania.  The Nature Conservancy is now focusing its efforts on larger contiguous plots of land and was interested in handing over ownership to a qualified local Conservancy with a proven track record of successful land preservation.  With this acquisition the E. L. Rose Conservancy now owns four properties in Pennsylvania totaling over 1,100 acres and holds 13 conservation easements in NY and Pennsylvania totaling another 1,050 acres.

Note: The parking area is not plowed after snow events; please wait for clear conditions.